Train Milan Centrale to Monterasso

Ron,

Yes, there are definitely some direct trains from Milano Centrale to Monterosso each day, and others with changes. As Monterosso is the largest of the C.T. towns, there seems to be more direct trains there than to the other towns. According to the current schedules, there are direct departures to Monterosso at 06:10, 07:25, 08:10 and 14:05 (there may be some later, but I didn't check). The trip will take about three hours. The schedules for next April aren't posted yet, but they probably won't differ too much from the current schedules.

If you'd prefer to travel at a different time-of-day, there are numerous other departures with two changes, often at Genova Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole. I always prefer to use a direct train on that route when possible.

I would HIGHLY recommend booking your accommodations in Monterosso as soon as possible, as many of the lodgings tend to book up fairly quickly (although that may not be as much of a problem in April). I always look forward to my stays in Monterosso, but it's sometimes challenging to get a room.

Happy travels!

thanks Ken much appreciated

I see 16 runs a day going from Milano Centrale to Monterosso. 7 of these runs are direct with no train changes. All others have train changes. You can see these runs just like I can on www.trenitalia.com. Just don't put in an April 2014 date until after December 15 when all Trenitalia schedule refreshes will be complete. In the meantime, you can enter any date up to about December 10 and see these runs. No need to stay in La Spezia. Just book ahead and stay in Monterosso.

One thought (without having consulted schedules):

From Genoa (Genova) to Monterosso, you need to be on a local train - which stops at every station and goes pretty slowly. I'd look for something faster to Genova, then transfer to the slow train to Monterosso.

People normally board the local train in La Spezia, but only because they are coming from the other direction. I wouldn't stay in La Spezia and would only plan on going through if you are continuing on South or East from the CT area.

suparonnmaregirl,

Do you need information on lodgings in Monterosso (I wasn't sure if you were using the Italy Guidebook). If so, post another note and try to provide a few suggestions.